Glasshouse plants

Echeveria

Echeveria are mostly found in the central states of Mexico, but also in South America. Generally they prefer hillsides where they may receive some shade during parts of the day and slightly more moisture than on the surrounding plains.

They are plants with a rosette of succulent leaves, often attractively coloured and covered in farina (waxy, powdery coating). Many, such as E. affinis (black leaves), E. setosa (green hairy leaves) and E. shaviana (grey leaves with crenulated (crinkled) edges) remain sessile (i.e. having no stem) and are suitable for cultivation in small pots. Others such as E. gibbiflora eventually form long stems crowned by a rosette of leaves.

Many hybrids have been produced of which Echeveria 'Pearle von Nurnberg' is a good example having lilac coloured leaves, covered in a white bloom with rosettes carried on short stems. The flowers, which are produced on long stems, consist of a number of small bells. Although these can be large and attractive (e.g. E. harmsii and E. longissima), it is the coloured leaves that are normally the main attraction.

Plants need a well-drained soil, for instance three parts John Innes No 2 and one part sharp sand or grit. Plants welcome a light watering during warm periods in the winter to help retain the fibrous root system.

Tall growing plants such as E. gibbiflora and ‘Giant Mexican Firecracker’ become lanky and the rosette frequently diminishes in size with increasing height. These can be beheaded giving a cutting consisting of the rosette and about 15cm (6in) of stem, a process that is best done in midsummer. After drying for a couple of weeks the cutting can be inserted in a suitable compost and only lightly watered until new growth is obvious. The remaining stump will often throw offsets which can be removed and treated in a similar manner.

They can be propagated from seed, which is very fine but seldom available for purchase. Many species and hybrids can be cultivated from entire leaves which can be removed from the rosettes or flower stems with their bases intact. After leaving these to dry (heal) for a couple of days they can be left on the surface of a suitable compost or lightly pressed in. In time, these will form leaves and a plantlet.

John Hughes

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